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Waymo Cincinnati autonomous vehicle driving on a downtown Cincinnati street during mapping

Waymo Cincinnati Mapping Begins as Region Eyes Driverless Rideshare

Updated Sept. 6, 2026: This article has been substantially expanded with additional reporting on independent safety data, Northern Kentucky's autonomous-vehicle law and what would have to happen before driverless service could launch in the region. This update also explores the latest developments surrounding Waymo Cincinnati and its potential impact on local transportation. Waymo Cincinnati Mapping Is…

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Covington Axon Contract: $6M Police Tech Deal Explained

Covington Axon Contract: Inside the $6 Million AI, Drone and Police-Tech Deal

Covington commissioners face a vote on Tuesday on a $6 million Axon Enterprise contract. The ten-year deal already stalled once after residents and commissioners raised pointed questions. The Covington Axon contract bundles body cameras, Tasers, and mobile license plate readers. It also adds a dock-based Drone as First Responder system and AI report-writing software. All…

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A person holding a tall stack of colorful textbooks and notebooks over a wooden desk.

8 Greater Cincinnati schools under scrutiny after statewide review of test results

Eight Greater Cincinnati schools have been identified as having “significant testing anomalies” following a statewide review of Ohio’s spring 2026 standardized test results. In a media release, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce identified the local schools as part of a broader investigation involving dozens of schools statewide. State education officials have not said…

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A pair of shiny silver metal handcuffs against a black background.

Fraud scheme: Former superintendent arrested in alleged $8 million case

Federal authorities arrested the former superintendent and operator of Dohn Community High School in relation to an alleged $8 million fraud and kickback scheme. A federal grand jury indicted Leondo Ramone Davenport, 50, of Cincinnati, and Jonathan Larry Ballew, 62, of Phoenix, Arizona. Davenport and Ballew face wire fraud and money laundering-related charges, according to…

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Red and gold fireworks bursting against a dark night sky above a shadowed city horizon.

Labor Day 2026: What to expect in Cincinnati for this holiday weekend

Labor Day is almost here. Cincinnati residents have several options for celebrating this Labor Day weekend, from the region’s largest fireworks display to professional sports, concerts and family activities. Events for Labor Day will take place across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky from Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7.  Riverfest and the Western & Southern…

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Glass of iced drink with mint, dark sunglasses, and a wide-brim straw hat sitting on a sunny deck next to a bright blue swimming pool.

Cincinnati cooling stations pilot brings heat relief to vulnerable neighborhoods

The weather is getting hotter. This is why Cincinnati is testing a new approach to helping residents cope with dangerous summer temperatures. The city’s Innovation Team is leading the Stay Cool Cincy pilot with the Office of Environment & Sustainability and Cincinnati ToolBank. The program will place publicly accessible cooling stations along busy walking and…

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Police vehicles and yellow emergency tape blocking a road near the University of Cincinnati campus.

What are the city’s plans to address violent incidents near UC campus?

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval has announced a safety plan following a series of shootings and other violent incidents near the University of Cincinnati (UC). The safety plan comes as students and families raise concerns about violence in neighborhoods surrounding the campus.  There are already four shootings near the university recorded since the semester began that…

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Interior view of an empty vehicle showing the front driver and passenger seats, steering wheel, and dashboard.

Waymo begins mapping Cincinnati as company considers driverless rideshare expansion

Waymo has begun mapping Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as the company explores a possible future expansion of its driverless rideshare service. The Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company confirmed it is in the early stages of implementing its technology in the Cincinnati area.  However, Waymo has not announced a launch date for passenger rides. The company plans…

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Person in a crowd holding up a handwritten cardboard protest sign reading "It's getting HOT in here."

Cincinnati climate migration plan prepares city for potential population growth

Cincinnati leaders are preparing for the possibility that climate change could bring more residents to the region in the coming decades. A new report from Axios highlighted the city’s efforts as officials plan for potential newcomers fleeing increasingly difficult conditions elsewhere. The issue has moved beyond speculation for Cincinnati officials. The city’s Office of Environment…

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